Jacques and Magali's little boy Florian sledding at 16 months old in home town Alaska and enjoying every moment :o) Pyramid in lead!

Just had to blog it :o)

Thursday, April 15, 2010 9:38:57 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

The Boss Of The House (30/09/01 to 06/03/10)


Unfortunately, Neo passed away very unexpectedly on Saturday 6th March at around ten in the evening - he had a heart attack and passed away very quickly in Donna's arms - we are very saddened by his loss and we are really missing his chirping and eagerness to get to food weather this be cat, dog or human food. Its not the same without him:-(

Monday, March 08, 2010 7:03:07 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

We arrived home around 12.30AM.... tired but safe and sound!

Monday, January 25, 2010 11:54:21 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Another great Alpen Trail...
This was our third Alpen Trail race... and strongest yet with yearlings (young dogs)!
We finished 13/22 with a total race elevation of 9432 metres spread over 276.9kms in seven stages :o)
Reaching that finish line is always a proud moment... a great sense of achievement for the team along with the integrity you have with your dogs... as they are the ones that get you to the finish line with the trust that you will always do the right thing for them as individuals and as part of a team!

Chrome (ran in every stage)
Fuego (ran in stages 1 & 7)
Sheenjek (ran in every stage)
Sting (ran in every stage)

Yearlings
Kia (ran in every stage)
Arwin (ran in stages 2, 3, 4 & 6)
Echo (ran in stages 1, 3, 5 & 7)
Isis (ran in stages 2, 4 & 6)
Storm (ran in every stage)
Zues (ran in stages 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 & 7)

Many thanks again to all the organisers and other participants for putting together such a professional sportsmanlike race. Well done to you all!!!

Results page... (click here)

Tomorrow we head home...

Race info... (click here)

Saturday, January 23, 2010 11:52:17 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Yesterday we arrived in Sexten (the Dolomites) around 10AM; our final destination for AT stages 5, 6 and 7.

The night stage (stage 5) started with the first team going out at 5PM. The trail was 9kms and litten up like a runway using fire sticks. A great way in illuminating a night trail... with various spectators dotted around the trail cheering on all the teams :o)

Today was the famous AT mass start.... stage 6.

Mike took a short video clip of all the teams lined out excited at the start line and waiting for the green flag.... (click here to view)

Tomorrow (stage 7) is a repeat of today... and sadly the final stage of the Alpen Trail 2010.

Results page... (click here)

Race info... (click here)

Friday, January 22, 2010 9:06:29 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

On Mon we arrived at our Herrenstein apartment around 4 in the afternoon... and as always a warm welcome from Elfriede.

This year; the Prags stages consist of a 55 km trail and approx. 1600 meters of elevation.
The start was in Schmieden (1200 m.) in Pragsertal. We passed Bruckele up to the Plätzwiese, then down to Schluderbach.... then to the Toblach loop turning us around back up to Plätzwiese, over to the toboggan trail passing Guesthouse Brückele and then down to Schmieden for the finish. All in all... a fantastic trail.
We did the first day (Stage 3) in 03:20:27 and the second day (Stage 4) in 02:46:42. Our yearlings Arwin, Isis and Zeus are doing exceptionally well and I was very pleased with there performance, but Echo needs to learn to pace himself a little more.... as he tends to work to hard in the first 3/4s at the moment leaving him puffed out for the last quarter.
For our last year yearlings Kia and Storm now in there second race season... Kia is driving the team in lead next to Chrome with confidence and hard. He just needs to pick up on a few leader pointers from Chrome... maybe in time hey!
As for Storm; she has really started to develop into a nice team/wheel dog this season. Certainly Kia and Storm have picked up the pace of the team for AT this year along with the other yearlings :o)

Results page... (click here)

Tomorrow we move again to Sexten.... for the night stage followed by the last two stages of the race.

Race info... (click here)

Wednesday, January 20, 2010 8:37:28 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Dieter.... AT cook :o)


Starting shoot






Team Winterpaws heading towards the finish line of stage 1


Brother Mike


Our dogs after stage 1. (click here for dog pool info)

Results page... (click here)

Today we say goodbye to Lu and our apartment in Muestair.... and drive to Prags Italy ready for stages 3 & 4.

Race info... (click here)

Monday, January 18, 2010 10:13:53 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

All our dogs that trained in Sweden for this years Alpen Trail got the OK. Stage one kicks off tomorrow in Lu, Switzerland :o)

Our dog pool... (click here)

Updated Alpen Trail's participants list... (click here)

Results page... (click here)

Friday, January 15, 2010 9:25:34 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

We arrived safe and sound at our apartment in Muestair around 3PM... dogs have been fed and watered, just got to feed ourselves now.... and then we are ready for bed. Tomorrow is vet check!!!

News
Thursday, January 14, 2010 5:51:27 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

8 o'clock this morning we started our long drive down to the Alps.
At 11:15 we drove through Sundvals (Sweden).... and have 1550 miles left to reach our destination in Switzerland.

Many thanks GK and Betan for being such great hosts.

News
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 11:18:28 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Brother Mike just arrived today from England... He will help in regards to driving, dog handling etc. At least then one of us can sleep while the other drives. Make's the 1700 mile drive to the Alps much easier!

Also Soon.... while he's here at Axe Handle Mountain.... GK will sort him out a sled, a dog team and guide him around the 12km trail... should be fun; considering it will be Mike's first time on dog sled!

News
Thursday, January 07, 2010 5:50:14 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

After three days of consecutive training.... two 39km runs and one 27km.... a well deserved rest day for the boys running loose in the girls paddock, while the girls where chewing on blocks of meat elsewhere, was more then appreciated to loosen up those muscles!













On another note.... training is going good considering that over half the team are yearlings (young dogs)!
As from Friday we will stick to a 39km training program.... consisting of two on and one off until Tuesday. On Tuesday we start packing in preparation to drive south in the early hours of Wednesday to the Alps. Ready for the Alpen Trail 2010 race.

More soon.... happy trails all!

News
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 10:07:44 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

A few days ago we safely arrived at Axe Handle Mountain in Sweden... that is, the dogs and I :o) And as always, a warm welcome on our arrival!
On the snow front this year; its a little thin on the ground at the moment, but more then enough to run sled! The forecast is looking good though over the next few days, with more snow to come and below 0c temperatures; although today it was freaking cold.... at -24c All the dogs got a good run out (third consecutive day running), but I came back with the old icy sticky eyelids syndrome... LOL Basically, if your eyes water it turns to ice on the eyelashes.

Frosty Zeus


Dogs in training... (click here)

Thursday, December 17, 2009 9:07:16 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Running in lead with Chrome... Alpen Trail 2008
He will be greatly missed!!!

Monday, December 14, 2009 3:35:08 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

its been a crazy week.... but tomorrow morning I finally drive out to Sweden. Hopefully to get some snow miles under the dogs feet and some sled experience for the yearlings!

Graham & Betan, I'm on my way...keep those fires warm and look forward to seeing you all soon :o)

Saturday, December 12, 2009 6:23:58 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Since last Friday.... except scheduled breaks, we have been consistently and happily completing 8 mile training runs! So far; all the yearlings are still doing extremely well.... which I'm so pleased with and I'm sure they are as well :o) but we still have a long way to go!!!

Thursday, November 12, 2009 6:12:28 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

1999 - Oct 2009

So sorry Jacques and Magali :o( for your loss of a great leader...

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 6:09:49 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Since the 2010 race additionally has a night stage, that is, three stages to be driven one after the other; Heini Winters and Lutz Binzer have decided to increase the dog pool.
New:
8-dog class with a pool of 12 dogs
6-dog class with a pool of 8 dogs

Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:12:19 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Over the past week, dogs have been training on our typical 6 mile loop in the forest! At a guess, it will not be long before we up the distance to 8miles.... as they come back from the run wanting more :o)
All the yearlings so far are doing extremely well.... although still excessive line and harness chewers when stationery through excitement in wanting to  pull hard and run!

Friday, October 23, 2009 1:39:34 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

6 O'clock this morning and the forest was atmospheric with the sound of excited dogs ready and geared up to run... crazy heads full of octane!
After a few weeks of consistent training.... they should start to develop there muscles to coincide with their crazy heads; maybe even settle down a little!!! LOL.

Last knockings of today's four mile run....

Saturday, October 03, 2009 2:17:05 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Now it’s ready at last, the race invitation for the 2010 race is finished.
Soon the online entry form will be activated, so there’s nothing standing in the way to enter the AT 2010 race.

Race Entry Alpen Trail 2010 (click here)

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 2:26:28 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Despite the narrow-mindedness of some readers who have mis-interpreted the newspaper articles... We have had some great response/offers from friends in Sweden, Alaska and Ireland.

Our dogs, have always been and always shall be our main concern; welfare, needs and future!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 9:42:47 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [1] 

Previous articles/letters and application documents

Article/Letter Exhibit 1 (click here)
Application Exhibit 2 (click here)

Before I continue.... I would like to thank deeply the following in their efforts and contributions in our planning application from residential, to mixed change of use (residential/keeping of a number of dogs)....

Malcolm Goodwin... my friend and considered brother
Mark Allaway... our vet
Jennifer Baxter... Senior Enforcement Officer of the Lewes District Council
Steve Howe... Case Officer of the Lewes District Council
And, to those that deemed/considered that this application should be approved!

On Wednesday the 16th September, around 6.30PM, our retrospective planning permission was refused for the keeping of a number of dogs; based on 2mins max of noise pollution five days a week while the dogs were being loaded up into the van for training, the potential of noise (not fact), area unsuitability. And strangely enough, the movement of dog food bowls while dogs where being feed!
In the chamber, the local parish/councillors, moved into the above motion to refuse approval of the retrospective planning permission on these basis, and in my opinion, the following can rot/burn in hell with the rest of the neighbours that pushed for this motion.... and deserve no less... for their future.... just mixed bureaucratic politics with no regards to the implications or concerns of life, other then human!

Parish/local councillors
Neighbouring parties/conspiracy groups

Despite all the effects from those previously mentioned, in all honesty; the motion was passed prior to the chamber. It amazes us; that the movement of dog bowls contributes towards more nuisance noise to that of neighbouring dogs/lawn mowers etc.... canny or what to say the least and ironic! From now on.... I will remark on any other dog/child noise I hear and forward that to the appropriate committee/department. As our lives have been turned upside down and inside out!!! One thing is sure in life; being nice gets you nowhere, that is for certain. At the end of the day, it does not matter if our dogs emit noise or not; it purely comes down to owning a number of dogs!!!
Back in the winter of 05/06; we had onsite 14 dogs.... because the neighbours did not know of their existence.... nothing was mentioned. In fact, most neighbours thought we only had three dogs! With this in mind; what can you say.... except that when they knew the existence of a number of dogs, it becomes an issue.... I leave that conclusion to you, the reader! The fact still remains; that many people do not understand the dogs needs, and probably their own, if the truth was known... and people only see what they want to see! (thank you Magali) And have mixed feeling in what they are! or what there needs are! The agonising decisions we are left with; is uncertain at the moment... but will keep this updated with current events until the end!


 

Steve and Donna

Thursday, September 17, 2009 9:39:25 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [4] 

Over the past few months it's been very sad to see Sting's coat and skin deteriorate.... with symptoms of alopecia-X and ringworm issues.
After various tests and a Cushing Disease screening process.... the results to date points to Cushing Disease... brought on by an imbalance loop of Cortisol (steroids) in respect to the adrenal, hypothalamus and pituitary glands; usually due to a slow growing cancer or tumour in non-pituitary dependent cases.

Currently he's on Vetoryl, with a re-screening test in 30 days :o(

Its all very sad in more ways then one, as I owe my changes and progress to him... He was my first Alaskan (proven race dog), and paved the way for me from then forward!

Arden Grange quarantine centre Feb 2006 (click here)

WOW talk about attitude, glad he’s home

Thursday, August 27, 2009 2:04:07 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

The dates for the 13th edition of the Alpen-Trail are now fixed. The race will be held from January 16th – 23rd, 2010 at the well-known locations i.e. Lü (Val Müstair), Prags (Hochpustertal) and in Sexten. There will be most likely a partially new trail offered in Sexten where the landscape will be magnificent. The staff will be pleased for large turnout. It might make your decision easier to participate if you would take a look at Gregor von Gumppenberg’s video in YouTube of the mass start in Sexten up to the Kreuzbergpass.

Video von Gregor von Gumppenberg

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 2:14:53 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

and today was a beautiful day for spending quality rest time with the dogs... without getting wet :o) bright, sunny and not too hot!

View blog entry at WKS with larger photos...

Saturday, March 21, 2009 2:07:19 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

All five of Chrome’s and Sting’s pups are doing extremely well… but all are excessive line, boots and chain chewers

Zeus being hooked up…

Malc and team leaving with pups Echo (white) and Zeus (black and white)

Isis … I’m ready for my harness :o)

Ivana… impatient as always!

Arwin… carm until you hook her up!

Isis, Ivana and adult dog Sheenjek getting excited to be hooked up…

Arwin being hooked up…

Ivana chewing her neckline while being hooked up… After five runs… she has manage to destroy four necklines and three sets of boots; lucky I have wire within the main line… otherwise she would be through that in no time!

Me and team coming back in with all three girl pups… yearling Kia in lead with Chrome… and looking promising just after three runs.

Zeus… looking very happy after his run...

and little Isis… she is the smallest out the litter… but clever and cheeky.

great runs… along with dry weather and no mud!!! but no snow :o(

View blog entry at WKS with larger photos...

Saturday, February 28, 2009 11:25:11 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Yep… today we harness broke the female pups, and all took to running like they had been doing it since birth.
The most impressive was Ivana… hard on her tug from start to finish. And Magali… she is as tall as Sting… she’s going to be one tall girl I think!!!

Sorry… no photos as I forgot to take my camera.

Sunday, February 01, 2009 7:28:43 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Today we started harness breaking pups…. we only harness broke the two boys today…the girls will get harness broke tomorrow.
Zeus took to running like a cherry on a cake… Echo a little stubborn at first, but soon got up and ran. Both did extremely well on a 3 miles loop :o)

After run…

Zeus

Echo

With the girls… we just took them out on leash…

Ivana getting use to her collar and stake out chain….

Saturday, January 31, 2009 7:44:43 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

We arrived back in England around 12:00AM Tuesday… no snow :o( but good to see my pups, that have grown so much since being away… and my wife.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 7:38:09 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Tomorrow we leave Italy and drive towards France… to catch our channel tunnel shuttle back to England.

The past five weeks have gone by so quickly… now it’s time to go back to no snow :o(

Sunday, January 25, 2009 9:25:41 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [4] 

Mass Start

Marte Heilemann (NOR) takes the checked flag…

for me and my team… proud to finish our second year running AT race :o)

Many thanks again to all the organisers, competitors and vets of AT for putting together a superb professional race, despite the constant battling against all the environment changes that took place here in the Alps during the week of the race… well done to you all!!! Cya soon…

Final results Alpen-Trail 2009

8- Dog class:
1. Marte Heilemann (NOR)
2. Heini Winter (GER)
3. Leo Link (GER)
4. Gregor von Gumppenberg (GER)
5. Uli Kuhn (GER)

6- Dog class:
1. Juan Carlos Quintana jr. (ESP)
2. Dr. Gerhard Offer (AUT)
3. Erwin Föger (AUT)
4. Florian Bachmann (GER)
5. Volkmar Stuber (GER)

View all results...

Saturday, January 24, 2009 12:17:40 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

The Dolomites...

Cable car from Sexten…

View from Rotwand 2000m...

Sexten...

Friday, January 23, 2009 12:07:44 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Stage 5 scheduled to take place tomorrow in Sexten, Italy, was canceled due to the danger of avalanche! Hopefully all we be OK for stage 6 on Saturday...

Thursday, January 22, 2009 9:39:55 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Due to 1.5 metres of snow fall over the last day, followed by frequent avalanches, day two of the prags trail was rerouted to a new location giving us a new safe 17km trail.

Deep snow…

Notice the fully grown trees in the back ground, just tree tops show above last night’s avalanche.

follow stage results...

Wednesday, January 21, 2009 9:07:09 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [1] 

Getting ready for 1min starts

Out the start shoot….

Pictures taken by Michael Wightwick

Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:19:24 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [1] 

Marte Heilemann won stage two in the 8-dog class before Heini Winter. 
Juan Carlos Quintana jr. won the second stage as well in the 6 dog class.

follow stage results...

Sunday, January 18, 2009 2:54:37 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

View dog pool list

Friday, January 16, 2009 9:30:37 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Arrived safe and sound in Mustair around 3pm... It took my brother and me sharing driving 30hrs to drive from Yxskaftkalen, Swedan to Mustair… a 1750 mile trip. Tomorrow we have vet check followed by mushers meeting in the evening. I’ll post dog pool laters...

Thursday, January 15, 2009 5:18:47 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Sadly our training at Axehandle Mountain in Sweden has come to an end. Tomorrow morning we head south to Switzerland for the start of the Alpen Trail 2009 :o)
 
This year, our time with Graham and Bettan has passed so quickly… great memorable times… and many laughs amongst us all… including Tim, Oz and Seaweed… a pleasure to work with as part of the Axehandle Mountain team.
 
With training… we have managed to get a good 600kms on the dogs on snow. But have decided to change entered AT class from eight dog to six dog. I will post laters once in Switzerland the dogs elected for the pool.
 
Happy trails…

Tuesday, January 13, 2009 10:15:56 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

off to the mountains…. today… GK, Barbara, Cathy, John, Tim and I set off to the mountains… a 130km round trip on sled in two days.

Base camp at the mountains is an old style Swedish mountain farm which doubles up as a ranger station. We enjoyed good food in the restaurant along with lots of laughs and retired for the night in fine cabins … wonderful company, superb service and beautiful wild scenery.

In the morning, breakfast and coffee was served before we all embarked on our return trip to Axehandle Mountain.

Early morning in the mountains…

Sheenjek and daughter Storm…

On the way back over the lake…

We arrived back at the dog yard around 3pm on Friday, leading into a warm entertaining evening drinking and eating in the main guest house :o)

Interested in taking up the adventure… please visit the Axehandle Mountain website for details

Thursday, January 08, 2009 10:09:26 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [1] 

Yesterday we started with the consistency of the 32km river runs from the Axe Handle Mountain base camp… beautiful wild scenery along with low level sun… while watching a tri moose group running majestically away in front of us on the trail.

Today... going up the river

Heading back to the dog yard into the sun

Well deserved rest after todays run... Chrome looking cute

Sting in the straw

Kia is there somewhere

Sheenjek and daughter Storm 

Monday, December 29, 2008 5:35:04 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Dogs and I arrived at Axe Handle Mountain in Sweden last night safe and sound around 10PM, just have sore eyes from all that driving!!!

Lots of snow here this year… much more then last year… in our 32km run this morning, we had to break trail for some part of it and at one point, Risk’s body just disappeared beneath the snow… bobbing up and down :o)

More fun to come at Axe Handle Mountain… post more soon!!!

Happy trails.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008 5:14:03 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Well the time has finally arrived for my trip to Axehandle Mountain in Sweden. I am feeling very excited but also thinking about the long drive I have ahead of me. The dogs are all sleeping at the moment and I know they will all be full of energy on our arrival to the colder climate.

Many thanks to family and good friends for their help and support prior to my journey. Especially the following people: Wife Donna, Mark Alloway, Malcomb Goodwin.

I will be posting regular updates once I have arrived in Sweden.  Cya soon Graham & Betan, have my steak ready :o)

Saturday, December 20, 2008 7:30:48 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Still it persists to rain here in the UK… making every training run a mud pool :o( I think it’s the wettest November we have had for a long time… guess it’s kind of good for the dogs though, as they have to work very hard to pull the 585lbs quad through the sticky muddy parts of the trail.

Sorry about the blurred pictures!

Sunday, November 30, 2008 7:51:30 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Lü:
40 km trail with approx. 1200 metres of elevation.
From Lü there is at first a light rise then becomes steeper until the highest point of the trail. After that a beautiful descent to S-charl. Restart in S-charl. Then the same trail back to Lü. A challenging and very beautiful trail in high-alpine terrain in bad weather should not be underestimated.

Prags / Cortina:
55 km trail and approx. 1600 metres of elevation, however, this year no restart in Cortina.
The start is in Prags at the Kammeriot-Wiesen, passing Brückele and then up to the Plätzwiese. From there down to Schluderbach partly on cross-country ski trails towards Cortina. Turning point at the old hospice and then returning and passing by Schluderbach just before Toblach. Turning point at the Dürrensee and returning to Schluderbach and then again up to Plätzwiese, thereafter descending to guesthouse Brückele on the toboggan trail.
A fantastic beautiful trail. Technically not very difficult.

Sexten:
50 km trail with approx. 1200 metres of elevation.
After the mass start on the Rotwandbahn in Sexton/Moos it passes by the campground over to the Kreuzbergpass passing by the Alpe Coltrondo (1880m) to the Nemes Hütte (1877m). Thereafter, initially towards Sexten, then up to the Klammbachhütte (1944m) again, then subsequently back over the Kniebergsattl (2325m) to Kreuzbergpass then down to the finish in Sexten. 
The trail leads from time to time up and downhill in between beautiful valleys. Besides the landscape the mass start is the highlight. Technically the most challenging trail of the race.

Monday, November 24, 2008 9:37:05 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Eagerly waiting on a temperature drop… the last week has just been that!!! This morning was a nice 5.5c with a relatively low humidity. Dogs got loaded into the van/truck, and we hit the forest with a very crazy eager to run team :o) Just need to build up there muscles now!!!

This season, basically is going to be a repeat of last year… fall training in England… sled training in Sweden… and then onto the 12th addition of the Aplen Trail, that takes place in the magnificent Alps.

One of our yearlings after her run...

The Alpen Trail 2009 participants list has been growing fast… for more info please visit Alpen Trail 2009

Have a great season...

Saturday, October 04, 2008 5:27:10 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Tragic death of Didier Dagueneau...

The 52 year od former Alpen-Trail musher died in a flying accident on Sept. 17, 2008. He plunged with his ultra light aircraft 50 meters to the ground in Dordogne, France and thereby being killed.
 
Didier drove in his youth sidecar motocross and then later sled dog sport. His first Alpen-Trail race was in 1998 with Siberian Huskies in the 12 dog class.

In the 1980’s he began with winegrowing. He was one of the best Sauvignon Blanc producers and received many world-wide awards and honors.

Our sympathy goes out to his family, his partner Susanne Cremer and their two children.

Our memory will always be with you.

Your Alpen-Trail family

Friday, September 19, 2008 7:25:08 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Opportunity to work with Siberians in Sweden…
Handler/Apprentice Guide Wanted (September thru to April)

This is a great opportunity to learn and work at a professional sled dog tour kennel, as a handler/apprentice guide.
For any further information, please contact Graham at...
Axehandle Mountain Sled dog tour kennel
Sweden
Phone +46 644 700 06
GSM +46 70 6887290
Eml: graham.kent@telia.com
www.axehandle.be

Wednesday, August 20, 2008 6:54:42 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

soooo cute....

Saturday, July 05, 2008 9:09:42 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

The preparations for the 12th Edition of Alpen-Trail has begun. The stage races will take place from the 16th till 24th of January 2009. To where each of the stages will take place is still being negotiated. More details will be known sometime this summer.

The Alpen-Trail Organisation Team
Verfasser: HR.News

Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:04:01 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

As from yesterday, cute little puppies started to open there eyes…
All puppies have there names now… we used an Arda, Ancient Greek & Egyptian theme.

Arwin

Echo

Isis

Ivana

Zeus

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 8:52:49 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

On Thursday 12th June, Chrome gave birth to five pups :o) she had two boys and three girls.
The first one was born at 9:40am, and the last at 11:52am… all are thriving and doing well.

Saturday, June 14, 2008 4:59:31 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Since being back in England from our overseas adventures, it’s all been very crazy for me setting up a new website hosting and development company.

But with a long awaited break, this bank holiday I have been sitting out in the garden with my dogs, and made a start on the book Donna so kindly got me for Christmas.

Miller’s Anatomy Of The Dog, 3rd Edition, By Howard E. Evans, Ph.D.

The book is a very overwhelming comprehensive reference to canine anatomy, and as one review I read put it, “Its incredibly wordy”, and another mentioned, “intimidated by it.”, can be so true !!!

Chapter one, “The Dog and its Relatives”, with reference back too as far as the Cretaceous period (Early order of Mammals), is a very interesting opening to the book… with ongoing molecular genetic findings… hybridization between domestic dogs and wild canids… origin… and so on…
I know; some of you might be thinking, you are not studying to be a vet, “true”, but with a strong interest in dogs and as a big part of my life, I think the book is relevant and I seem to find myself interested in the subject, in search to learn more about dogs.

Hopefully I can get back to it tomorrow…

Sunday, May 04, 2008 9:06:07 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Hopefully we will hear the cry of some new puppies very soon !!!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008 9:17:58 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

It all seems quite warm at the moment, at around 9c during the day and 7c at night… Dogs are all now starting to wind down a little getting ready for spring, and puppies got harness broken on the 26th Jan… Storm, the crazy one of our two pups out of Risk & Sheenjek, did very well, while Kai the more calmer one of the two, was a little questionable at first; but over the past few weeks he has started to develop very nicely, crazy and very strong.
To date, pups have been practicing on a 3 to 4 mile loop every Sunday since harness breaking… I’ll probably get a few more weeks in before it gets to hot to run them.

Storm (View pedigree) 

Kai (View pedigree)

The other thing on the agender, is breeding for this year… Chrome should come into heat around early April, and I have decided to breed her to Sting. Both dogs have given me 100%... and Chrome has taught me so much when it comes to trusting your lead dog out on the trail. Sting, although completely crazy with not much sense of direction, is a very lovable, hard working and structurally well balanced dog… besides, he was my first Alaskan who pretty much paved the way for me :o)

Chrome X Sting

Saturday, March 08, 2008 5:29:49 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

In the early hours of Monday morning we arrived back in England from the Alpen Trail. It was surperb times… so it’s always hard to get back into the swing of things back home.

The Alpen Trail for me was a very special race, as it was my first real race. And to complete it was an overwhelming experience and proud to say the least… of my self and the dogs, as a team. The race is not for the faint hearted for sure… as the Lu stage elevates 1200m in short very sharp inclines, and Sexten elevates by 1550m, but once you are up… the scenery is just breathtaking.

Picture taken by a tourist

Organisation of the race was superb, while remaining adaptable to the environment changes. Musher’s maintain a very high fair sportsman’s like attitude, working together, especially as head on passing is required on most stages near the turn arounds, and it takes you, your trusted dogs and other teams on the trail to make it work.

The mass start in Sexten was fantastic… like chariots of fire with sled dogs... such a superb feeling. Pictures of the mass start can be found under my Alpen Trail 2008 album, along with other AT pictures.

Team Alpen Trail (dog proud)
Alpen Trail 2008 album

Many thanks and appreciation goes out to the AT team, all the musher’s, and  best friend Malc and brother Mick for being handlers that has also helped to make this a very memorable experience :o) have a great year and prosper.

Results of Alpen-Trail 2008:
8 Dog class:
Heini Winter GER (10:04:51)
Marte Heilemann NOR (10:23:42)
Michael Link GER (10:29:09)

6 Dog class:
Jørn Størbraaten NOR (11:52:30)
Susanne Cremer  FRA (11:54:06)
Florian Bachmann GER (12:28:51).

View more results

Wednesday, January 23, 2008 5:28:15 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [1] 

Around mid day tomorrow, we leave Sweden for Switzerland… home to the first two stages of AT.

Happy trails...

Monday, January 07, 2008 8:48:14 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Arrr... so so cute.

Saturday, January 05, 2008 3:00:32 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Yesterday Graham and James went out on skidoos (snow machines) to check if the river had frozen enough to run dogs on… all was good!

Running dogs up a frozen river is superb :o) and gives you a great opportunity to take in the wilderness that surrounds you... double bonus.

ooh... not totally frozen... but good as dam it!!!

Friday, January 04, 2008 9:41:37 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Today; Musher’s Malc, Graham, Betan, Tim, James, Jenny and I all ventured to the local lake with six to eight dog teams, a 30km round trip from the Axhandle Mountain dog yard.
Besides the breathtaking scenery and venturing onto the lake with your dogs, the trail back gave me a great opportunity to practice passing (overtaking). First I had my team pass Betan & Tim, then Graham and I played cat and Mouse… all went very well. Once back near the dog yard, I continued on with the 27km trail to get some miles on the dogs. We did 57km in all, which a good 15km of that involved breaking trail. All good experience for me and the dogs.

Picture by Graham Kent

Graham’s team and mine practicing overtaking and running together for photo shoot :o)

Many thanks to all the Mushers mentioned above for great and successful day...

Wednesday, January 02, 2008 7:45:59 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Happy new year from us and all the team at Axhandle Mountain.

Have a great year and season... happy trails :o)

Tuesday, January 01, 2008 4:47:09 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Team 'A' 54km in total today... 6c below and calm...

String working too hard as usual (wheel right)

Saturday, December 29, 2007 5:27:22 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Chrome

Tasha

Ripley & Risk

Friday, December 28, 2007 5:31:56 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Axhandle Mountain kennel

Thursday, December 27, 2007 7:09:01 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Malc setting off with team 'B' on one of his two 12km training runs...

I set off laters with team ‘A’ on two-27km runs… which included one night run… and what a fantastic feeling it is, to run your dogs on snow under the rising of a full moon under calm weather conditions. Just you, your dogs and the great vast snowed covered wilderness... a feeling that I can only describe as amazing while fearful and awe-inspiring... many thanks Graham.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007 6:28:44 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Merry Christmas from us and all our dogs... have a fantastic day.

Dogs and Mushers rest day :o)

Tuesday, December 25, 2007 2:45:49 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Base Camp (Axhandle Mountain dog yard cabin)

Beautiful sunrise…

Our dogs... resting...

Axhandle Mountain Puppies...

On the trail... 30km today...

Sunday, December 23, 2007 7:02:21 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Arrived at Graham Kent's kennel (Axhandle Mountain) in Sweden safe, Sound and tired around 3pm... 1700 miles is a long drive :o)

Monday, December 17, 2007 6:50:32 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Now on 20 mile loop, we currently have 380 miles on the dogs. Tomorrow’s run will be there final local forest run this year, as we head out to Sweden Sunday :o)

Thursday, December 13, 2007 6:39:04 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

6 dog class:
Bachmann Florian	Vöhrenbach	GER	Veteran
Ballas Thorsten	Lampertheim	GER	Veteran
Börlin Veronica	Unterbach	SWI	Veteran
Lorenzo Lorenzo Roberto	Galicia	ESP	Rookie
Marina Javier	Burgos	ESP	Veteran
Martinez Erik	Le Vernet	FRA	Rookie
Menghinella Maurizio	Spello	ITA	Veteran
Rogg Hans	Mindelheim	GER	Veteran
Dr. Schmid Christoph	Rimbach	GER	Rookie
Steigenberger Otto	Kiefersfelden	GER	Veteran
Størbraaten Jørn	Oslo	NOR	Rookie
Dr. Ulrich Alfred	Schnelldorf	GER	Veteran
Walter Manuela	Koblenz	SWI	Veteran
Weber René	Menziken	SWI	Rookie
Wubs Martin	Rottweil	GER	Veteran
8 dog class:
Bartolini Matteo	Vicchio Firenze	ITA	Veteran
Binzer Lutz	Langerringen	GER	Veteran
Bogart Fabienne	Maura	NOR	Rookie
Brinkmann Volker	Brinkmann	GER	Veteran
Brockmann Uwe	Biesenthal	GER	Rookie
Cremer Susanne	Saint-Andelain	FRA	Veteran
Föger Erwin	Obsteig	AUS	Veteran
Gausereide Per Olav	Maura	NOR	Rookie
Gut Thomas	Frauenau	GER	Veteran
Haas Martin	Ramsei	SWI	Rookie
Hansen Morten	Oslo	NOR	Rookie
Heilemann Marte	Oslo	NOR	Veteran
Krempl Hannes	Oberhaching	AUS	Veteran
Kriegler Winfried	Wiesenburg	GER	Veteran
Kuhn Uli	Wotersen	GER	Veteran
Laudel Jens	Netzichkau	GER	Rookie
Link Michael	Schalkstetten	GER	Veteran
Manel Lloret	Lleida	ESP	Rookie
Netzhammer Stefan	Büttenhardt	SWI	Veteran
Dr. Offer Gerhard	Mieming	AUS	Veteran
Ruiz Elvira José Felix	Aranda de Duero	ESP	Veteran
Salva Luque	Beriain (Navarra)	ESP	Rookie
Stolz Jürgen	Penzing	GER	Veteran
Stuber Volkmar	Wurzelbühl	GER	Veteran
Uriondo Iban	Ventas de Armentia	ESP	Rookie
Vanessa Bambi	Auronzo Di Cadore	ITA	Rookie
Wightwick Stephen	Seaford	GB	Rookie
Winter Heini	Augsburg	GER	Veteran
Wüthrich Rudolf	Zweideln	SWI	Veteran
Zautua Iñigo Bizkarguenaga	Vizcaya	ESP	Rookie

Total: 45
Last update: Saturday, December 8, 2007

Saturday, December 08, 2007 9:11:32 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Almost six months old now... how time flies!

Saturday, November 24, 2007 6:23:15 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Today was the first of our 12 milers… We go 12miles again tomorrow then back to 7 until after rest… then will stick on 12 until 25th Nov!

Going up hill…

Ooh; some flat, almost...

Dam-it, more hills and steep…

Sunday, November 11, 2007 5:25:25 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

by Graham Kent (Axhandle Mountain Kennel); taken from his window this morning.

Temperature -8c (17.6f) looking good...

Friday, November 09, 2007 9:30:42 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Yesterday our sleds from Daniel Mellina and the Antipode team got delivered from France safe and sound :o) always a bonus…

Both sleds are well equipped with two snow hooks, a sled break & drag/snow mat… and collapse/fold down to a nice transportable flat pack.

Very much looking forward to giving them a blast out on the trail in Sweden……

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 9:08:06 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

6 dog class:
Bachmann Florian	Vöhrenbach	GER	Veteran
Ballas Thorsten	Lampertheim	GER	Veteran
Lorenzo Lorenzo Roberto	Galicia	ESP	Rookie
Marina Javier	Burgos	ESP	Veteran
Martinez Erik	Le Vernet	FRA	Rookie
Rogg Hans	Mindelheim	GER	Veteran
Dr. Schmid Christoph	Rimbach	GER	Rookie
Steigenberger Otto	Kiefersfelden	GER	Veteran
Weber René	Menziken	SWI	Rookie
8 dog class:
Binzer Lutz	Langerringen	GER	Veteran
Bizkarguenaga Zautua	Vizcaya	ESP	Rookie
Bogart Fabienne	Maura	NOR	Rookie
Cremer Susanne	Saint-Andelain	FRA	Veteran
Föger Erwin	Obsteig	AUS	Veteran
Gausereide Per Olav	Maura	NOR	Rookie
Gut Thomas	Frauenau	GER	Veteran
Hansen Morten	Oslo	NOR	Rookie
Heilemann Marte	Oslo	NOR	Veteran
Kriegler Winfried	Wiesenburg	GER	Veteran
Kronbach Johannes	Hüfingen	GER	Veteran
Kuhn Uli	Wotersen	GER	Veteran
Laudel Jens	Netzichkau	GER	Rookie
Link Michael	Schalkstetten	GER	Veteran
Netzhammer Stefan	Büttenhardt	SWI	Veteran
Dr. Offer Gerhard	Mieming	AUS	Veteran
Ruiz Elvira José Felix	Aranda de Duero	ESP	Veteran
Stolz Jürgen	Penzing	GER	Veteran
Wightwick Stephen	Seaford	GB	Rookie
Winter Heini	Augsburg	GER	Veteran
Wüthrich Rudolf	Zweideln	SWI	Veteran

Total: 30
Last update: Sunday, October 28, 2007

Monday, October 29, 2007 9:02:47 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Today we started training dogs on 7 mile loop. Will go 7 miles tomorrow, then one 4 mile before scheduled rest days; followed by 7 mile runs until around the 11th Nov, when we leap frog to 12 miles…

Sunday, October 28, 2007 5:40:40 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

As from yesterday, entries for this very picturesque mid-distance sled dog race held in the Italian / Switzerland Alps became available.
With great enthusiasm and after prior reconsideration of entering the Pirena, I faxed my entry form today as a participant. This will be my first MD race, which is approximately 40-60 km per stage, total approx. 300 km, split into 6 stages as follows.

January 12/13th Lü –S-charl, Val Müstair/Switzerland
January 15/16th Prags - Cortina / Italy
January 18/19th Sexten / Italy

This will also be my first race on snow (rookie for sure)... but I’ll get plenty of practice and snow under dogs feet prior to the race in Sweden; where we will be staying at Graham Kent’s kennel (Axehandle mountain) for three weeks. Graham tells me that they got there first snowfall last night, and that it’s currently -5c :o)

My first time on the sled in Feb 2007, Magali leads…

Besides rekindling my sled experience once we are in Sweden, I will need to teach training partner and good friend Malc the ropes so to speak. But I don’t’ think I’ll have Malc holding on to me like I held on to Magali when we went out on single sled :o)

Travelling: For us there will be a lot of driving involved, for starters, Graham Kent’s kennel is 1637miles from my place in England. And the Alpen Trail (Alps) is another 1645miles from Grahams; followed by 844miles back to England. Thankfully this will be divided up three ways, three drivers…

The Party outbound from England via the Euro tunnel on the 16 December 2007 will be:
Me – Race Musher / Driver
Malcolm Goodwin (friend & financially supportive) – Training Partner / Handler / Driver
Michael Wightwick (brother) - Handler / Driver (will join us in Sweden a couple of days prior to leaving for the Alps)
Oh, not forgetting the dogs (fifteen)… view us here.

Others that have helped me with decisions and information:
Alan Stewart - Cairngorm Sled dog Centre/Aviemore
Graeme Scott - QuickStep Kennel
Heini Winter D - AT Organisation
Jacques & Magali Philip - Noatak Kennels

For further information on the Alpen Trail; please visit alpentrail.com

Have a great season…

PS: We are currently on the look out for sponsors!

Friday, October 12, 2007 8:10:03 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

During summer 2007, Arctic sea ice plummeted to the lowest levels since satellite measurements began in 1979. The average sea ice area for September was 4.28 million square kilometers (1.65 million square miles), the lowest September on record. At the end of the 2007 melt season, sea ice area was 39 percent less than the long-term average from 1979 to 2000. Some estimates based on ship and aircraft records acquired prior to the satellite era suggest that sea ice may have retreated by as much as 50 percent since the 1950s.

Click here to view full article with video clip.

Monday, October 08, 2007 8:59:27 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Spot the dog walker!

Err... Someone's in season / heat...

Sunday, October 07, 2007 5:26:46 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Tonight we started quad training with 14 dogs on 4 mile loop. I put one of my recently flown over babies in swing (leader Chrome), and the other; powerhouse Fuego in wheel… as always, it’s extremely pleasing to watch sled dogs in action, that just want to pull hard for the love of it :o)

Sorry! My camera doesn’t take good pictures at dusk…

I will keep Chrome in swing for now… it will give her a chance to get use to our complicated training trails and a chance for her heat/season to pass.

Getting ready for training the night before…

Nice and clean… I don’t think it will look like this anymore after a few days of training with rain…. Oh-well… never mind :o)

Training life at the other side of the world (Alaska); Magali captures a great photo illustrating dogs working hard at there kennel just for the love of it!

Friday, September 28, 2007 9:02:04 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Today with much delight, I picked up my babies Chrome and Fuego from the London Gatwick airport…

There journey started on the early morning of the 25th (AK local time) at the Noatak Kennel near Nenana, Alaska, where Jacques and Magali drove them to Continental’s cargo facility in Anchorage, via the state vets USDA office for endorsement of paperwork.

It was just a few days ago, both Magali and I where stressing out with regards to raising the correct paperwork for the state vet to endorse, as Chrome and Fuego where going to travel to the UK under the Pets Passport Scheme… but I had good feeling that all would come good in the end :o)

Magali, I owe you a few roast dinners now!!! All the best to both of you, have a great season…

Chrome (Leader)

Fuego

Thursday, September 27, 2007 9:37:48 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Over the last couple of months I’ve been designing and re-fitting out the dog van.
Today K9 Cages fitted out the van with cages capable of housing 16 dogs in total (two dogs per a cage), and as a bonus; welded my dropping dog anchor points to the van…
Looking over the completed work, I was most pleased. K9 cages had done a superb job here!!!

Eight way split (rear view)

Eight way split (side door view)

Locking mechanisms, non rattle

One of the anchor points for dropping dogs

I will post more details laters, which will include ventilation and insulation techniques used to help battle against heat build up while dogs are travelling within the van, especially under our UK winter daytime temperatures.

Monday, September 17, 2007 7:47:07 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

This weekend I spent making and preparing new lines for fall training. These are designed in retrospect with the new 1 and ½ foot necklines.

I use bright colours so we can easily see the lines, as a lot of our training is done under the moonlight so to speak within a dark forest.

Sunday, September 16, 2007 7:43:15 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Weekend before last, our new environment... (outside run)

A week laters....

Wednesday, August 22, 2007 8:58:48 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

As I got rained off today with re-fitting out van, which I will post about laters, I made a start on lines ready for fall training…

The necklines I’m making are 1 ½ foot long, woven together with the technique that Magali taught me over in Alaska.
In AK, Jacquie and Magali use 2 foot necklines, which gives much more freedom for the dog in moment, and you can clearly see this as the necklines are not tight like we see when running on 1 foot necklines over here in the UK.
When I first came back from my visit in AK, I introduced the longer necklines to my friend Malc, and like I first thought over in AK, instantly thought this would increase the likelihood of tangles, not so!!! Why is this; purely because the necklines run angled into the dog from the mainline by about 10-15 degrees. We have far less tangles now then we used to get with the 1 foot necklines, with a great improvement on dogs freedom of moment.
Why are you using 1 ½ foot necklines and not 2 foot? Purely because our training trails are quite narrow with built up woodland on each side. So I wanted to restrict the distance on how wide the dogs could run; so for us, the 1 ½ foot necklines work well in that sense but still give the dogs more freedom of moment over that of the 1 foot necklines...

Sunday, August 19, 2007 8:37:16 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Over the last week, Storm and Kia have really started to find there legs… Playing, keeping mum on her toes and looking super cute :o)

Friday, July 13, 2007 3:40:47 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

So cute, Storm today started to open her eyes at 12 days old….

Thursday, June 28, 2007 11:34:18 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

The first one to have there eyes open is Kia, at 10 days old. Storm is preferring to keep hers shut for the time being :o)

Tuesday, June 26, 2007 8:48:47 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Both of Sheenjek's puppies are thriving and growing extremely quickly. A couple of days ago, the female was given a sci-fi name, Storm. Joint decision :o)

Arrr, so so cute...

Wednesday, June 20, 2007 9:22:11 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Yesterday morning I was delightfully woken at 5:20AM by the sweat cry off Sheenjek’s first pup; a black/tan & white girl weighing 15ozs.
9:34AM, a second, a black and white boy weighing 15¼ozs
Both pups where delivered by Sheenjek without any supervision or help; her first litter :o)

Proud mum

Doing a grand job looking after her two wonderful pups :o) it's so endearing to see and a great feeling…

Donna has already chosen a name for the boy, Kia, now it’s up to me to find a name for the girl.

Many thanks to Magali Philip, Neil Marshal & Mark Allaway that supported me with information to put my mind at ease with regards to Sheenjek’s progress and well being; as this was my first breeding leading to the birth of pups.

Sunday, June 17, 2007 11:12:00 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

A few days ago temperatures where hitting around the 25c mark here in the UK, this morning it plummeted to 7c 70%RH :o) ooh – great opportunity to stretch those dogs legs… and for me to try Suen in lead, my new lead dog from Joe Redington Jr… He did very well considering our training trails here consist of turns that are not always that well defined/obvious, along with plenty of wildlife to contend with, rabbits for one; but even with rabbits to the left and right within a few feet from us, he drove on straight pass with a little cue driving the team down the trail, superb :o)

Suen, lead right (black dog). Looks like we are all good & ready...

Malc’s team, ready to go…

They just love those pig ears to chew on after a run…

Monday, May 28, 2007 1:10:39 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

11c and raining... This morning was the third time I had a chance to run Suen (lead dog from Joe Redington Jr.) since being with us here in UK. I have been running him in team / wheel, getting him use to the trails here and me. Tomorrow I will try him in lead... cool! Great performance, superb mental endurance and spirit...

Suen - swing right

Malc making sure Conan is not going to give Sting any crap while I was taking the picture. Baby boy Risk (lead left) is ready I think :o)

Sunday, May 27, 2007 4:17:10 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

In the evenings when it's to hot to run dogs, I tend to let all the dogs out together for an hour or so in the garden/backyard, and this gives me a chance to practice recalls and making sure all the dogs get on fine despite jumping over each other and generally running crazy, as well as me getting in some quality time with them :o)

One crazy Sheenjek...

Saturday, May 26, 2007 2:08:15 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

It’s been a while, but better late then never… I finally got around to sorting out my photo album of Alaska, please feel free to visit the album under the gallery link. Enjoy :o)

Thursday, May 24, 2007 12:14:56 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Suen landing in the UK on Wednesday morning travelling from Alaska, but due to a slight discrepancy in dates with the paperwork he had to spend a night in BA’s Animal Reception Centre.
Everyone at the Animal Reception Centre was very helpful, working together with my self and me with friends overseas to get in contact with vet to resolve the discrepancy. After all the worries / panic, Suen made it home safe and sound Thursday.
The Pets Passport is a great scheme and maintains the UK as a rabies free country, and its a godsend compared to the previous scheme which was six months quarantine; but always double check the dates that your vet writes on the papers… as they are only human and mistakes can happen… otherwise your dog could end up in quarantine for six months.

Much appreciation goes to Joe Redington Jr. who drove Suen to Anchorage airport over in AK, an 800 miles round trip for him. Thank you for everything Joe & Pam…

For more information on the Pets Passport Scheme, please visit DEFRA’s website Click here…

Friday, May 18, 2007 5:28:25 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Eleven days ago Sheenjek came into heat… After spending the past few days talking and deciding what to do, I decided to breed her to Risk.
Both Risk and Sheenjek are 7/8 Alaskan / 1/8 hound crosses, so if this all takes there offspring will still remain the same percentage.
Risk is a well proven race dog from Magali and Jacques Philip along with proven offspring (Argos, Hercules & Oracle); he eats extremely well and passes this valuable quality onto his pups.
Sheenjek, although not race proven, did 1200 miles as a yearling and showed no problems at all. Her mother is a well proven stage race leader and like Sheenjek, carries a very light coat which is idea for the UK/Europe

Now we just have to sit and wait until June for possible puppies…

To view there pedigree, Click here…

Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:53:51 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

With Risk and Sheenjet more settled into there new environment, this morning they got a chance to stretch there legs over our local forest.
I ran Risk in lead with Riply, Kaila in swing and Sheenjet & Sting in wheel. This combination seemed to work very well, although I had to do a lot of breaking for Kaila’s sake, up hills included; so I guest I’ll only be running Kaila when it comes too early four wheeler training, as it would be overall at a slower pace, or maybe just stick with walking her on a leach, ha ha...
Risk in lead was a little hesitant on turns, but as not an established lead dog he did it with lots of drive and seemed keen to listen :)  For now, I will keep him there and spend time working with him in lead…
Little Sheenjet is as crazy as they come with a very high spirit, and her lighter coat is a huge advantage to her living here in the UK.
The only thing that remains is for me to upgrade my brakes on the wheeled rig before Suen, Chrome and Fuego come over, as those Sturmey Archer drum brakes are struggling on demand from these dogs :) they get too hot resulting in brake fade…

Alaskans, I love them!

Sunday, April 01, 2007 10:25:44 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

A few days ago I arrived back home from my trip to Alaska with Risk and Sheenjet landing a day later.
The UK greeted both landings with lots of rain, something I did not miss while overseas, but the hug/greeting I received from my wife and seeing my brother, more then made up for that!

Alaska is an outstanding place of beauty, the final frontier, and those images of relativity I have and constantly talking about, am thankful too Jacques & Magali Philip and André (Magali’s dad).

Many thanks again Jacques & Magali for everything and sharing your knowledge that can only inspire my Mushing for the future :) A real inspiration you are! Yes, it was the first time that I have had caribou for dinner…

Saturday, March 31, 2007 7:54:06 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Leader Chrome and power house Fuego, are our proud two new flock members from Jacques and Magali Philip.

Chrome, nodding off standing, isn’t she stunning :o)

Fuego, standing proud…

Alaskans :o) For informarion on flock members, click here.

Thursday, March 22, 2007 3:06:10 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Magali returning from her puppy run; 3 mile loop.


Mac in wheel (black and white) is a big puppy and very strong. It's quite an effect to get him into the harness... He's absolutely crazy...

Monday, March 19, 2007 11:47:53 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Overall Race Results:Top 3
1st Buddy Streeper
2nd Egil Ellis
3rd Arleigh Reynolds

Buddy heading towards victory…

Mari Wood getting ready to go at the start…

Sunday, March 18, 2007 2:27:43 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Oh-yes; visited Fairbanks today with Magali and Mel to watch the all Open North American Championship day one.
The ONAC is a superb sprint race here in AK, and watching top teams achieving around a 21mph average over a 20 mile trail is fantastic…

Buddy Streeper took 1st place for day 1

Mari Wood

For Magali’s ONAC photo gallery, Click here

Friday, March 16, 2007 7:02:21 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Over the last few days I have been running with six dogs on a 3 mile loop. Today I had Crome (my new lead dog from Jacques and Magali) and Corona in lead. Corona was in Magali's 2001 IFSS Silver Medal Team, placed 2nd.
In swing, I had Sheenjet and Hercules. Hercules won the LGO in France last year with Jacques team and he's son to Risk. In wheel, I had Safran and Fuego; which is Spanish for fire.
The run was excellent, lots of power and I thought with the undulating terrain I have started to learn to be quite consistent with the speed, achieved manly by the drag mat (tip from Jacques).

Alaska is a superb place to run dogs, believe me…

Thursday, March 15, 2007 7:46:53 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

No more walking puppies on leach... Harness only now!

Saturday, March 10, 2007 12:11:09 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

With great concern to his dog’s welfare and himself; Jacques officially scratched at the rainy pass checkpoint due to the very bad weather and trail conditions. He is already a winner for being brave enough to get to Rainy pass and making the right decision for himself and the doggies.
Doug Swingley - four times Iditarod chap, crashed and also scratched in rainy pass. He broke two ribs and a possible dislocated thumb.

Fingers crossed for those remaining Mushers out there on the trail...

Tuesday, March 06, 2007 2:10:03 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Driving back to Nenana, it was very windy and the snow was blowing across the road like salt.
It is very dry here in AK, barely any humidity.

Monday, March 05, 2007 2:06:23 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

On the way back to Nenana, we stopped off at a fantastic viewing point. The famous Mt Denali or McKinley as it is sometimes called.
Besides the late Susan Butcher and Sir Joe Redington, Jacques climbed this with five dogs.

Me with Mt Denali in the back ground - the wind was cold.

Monday, March 05, 2007 2:02:33 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Jacques getting ready for the Iditarod restart/main start - Sunday morning.

Musher’s and dogs being hooked up in preparation for the start line with handlers, very atmospheric to say the very least... teams of 16 dogs getting ready to run is an incredible sound to hear....

The main start line, lots of eager spectators....

More dogs being hooked up ready for the handlers to take them to the start line.

Jacques team of dogs being hooked up (16 dogs), seven handlers plus us.

Other teams being hooked up, ready to go to the start line.

Sunday, March 04, 2007 1:51:55 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

The ceremonial start of the Iditarod, Saturday morning; crazy, lots of people.

Magali getting the team ready for the ceremonial run.

Other teams inline/getting ready to start there ceremonial run with there Iditarod rider/passenger.

Jacques and Magali returning from their ceremonial run.

Dressing down after the ceremonial run. John Wood (left) and his wife, Mari are a really nice couple and made us very welcome while we where in Willow and Anchorage. John is a retired lawyer.

Saturday, March 03, 2007 1:37:02 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

The Iditarod Banquette was a great experience and a good opportunity to learn about each Musher running in the race and the inspiring musher’s of the past, like the late Susan Butcher. David - Susan's husband - gave a speech that I could only describe as, extremely heart breaking and touching; an imprint in Iditarod's history and future, Susan will remain to be.

Jacques turn to select his bib number at the banquette's musher's presentation.

Thursday, March 01, 2007 1:23:00 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

From left to right, Jacques, Dick Mackey (Won the Iditarod by a second in 1978), Me, Scottie (great guy - retired Musher, all had a laugh when the bottom fell out of his beer glass one night, which soaked him) and finally, Doug Swingley far right (four times Iditarod champion).

Here is Doug Swingley, like you never seen him before, after a beer or two.

Thursday, March 01, 2007 12:54:39 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Jacques, I and Father of the Iditarod - Joe Redington Sir. 

Magali and I infront of the Iditarod's headquarters.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007 1:09:14 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Arrived at John and Mari Wood’s kennel in the evening safe and sound; nice steady journey.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 12:47:29 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Tomorrow we leave for Anchorage, as there is only four days left to the start of the Iditarod. First we stop off at John and Mari Wood’s kennel which is around a five hour drive from here (Nenana), and then it will be a further two hours drive from there to Anchorage; John & Mari are good friends of Jacques & Magali, so this will give me a good opportunity to say hello as I’ve only emailed John in the past.
The big Iditarod banquet is on Thursday which I’m looking forward too, as many famous mushers’ will be there. Sunday should be excellent although crazy, as it will be the main start of the 2007 Iditarod; I’ll be helping preparing and hooking up dogs for Jacques and seeing him off at start line with Magali :o)

It’s all crazy here at the moment in preparation to setoff tomorrow…

Monday, February 26, 2007 4:43:25 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

:o) Late afternoon I had another go on the sled with same four dogs as before, while Magali went out ahead of me on the snow machine. All went really well other then Jacques thought I had took off a little fast at the start, and I only just kept it together on the turn around; so I need to slow it down at the start as its downhill here, and practice more on those slightly sharper turns.

So so enjoyable the sled is...

Sunday, February 25, 2007 1:28:13 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

The puppies are now getting more use to me and some don’t mind to much leaving the nest/pen, although sometimes they can be a pain to catch hold off one in the pen, ha , ha, ha…
I’ve started to walk them now on leach on one to one bases, not two by two as I first started. This makes my life a lot easy :) coaching one pup at a time, building up there confidence that it’s ok to leave the nest and there brothers & sisters.
I do love these pups, there a pleasure to work with and so sweat :)

Sunday, February 25, 2007 1:14:34 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

André today drove us to Nenana to watch Jacques and Magali pass us on the river while on a 70 mile training run.
The village is one of a few native community villages left in Alaska; very quite and tranquil, a pleasure to see.
Trapping is still a source of income, as well as fishing for the dog food market.

At the end of the road is Nenana’s train station, rail link to Fairbanks and Anchorage.

Sitting on Nenana’s frozen river. The river still flows beneath the ice that is around 36” thick….

Jacques passing us on the river.….

Magali passing us on the river

Saturday, February 24, 2007 12:40:50 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Just got back in from taken / walking the pups out on leach two by two!
The dark ones are not two bad, but the red and white are a pain when it comes to leaving the nest :) maybe when they get a little more use to me and leaving there pen, they will not be too bad :)

Friday, February 23, 2007 12:25:03 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Magali drove us to Fairbanks today with her dad; everyday life here is so different. No body walks in town – well, at least not at this time of year. All the shops have there own car park and you drive from shop to shop while leaving the vehicle engine running to keep warm; funny thing is, it’s still there when you return.
Midday we stopped of and had a lovely lunch in a diner, can’t remember what it was called, but it tasted good along with some ice tea.
Some of the essentials I purchased in town where a neck warmer, socks, hat with dog ears and stuff to make up a light stake out, Magali to show me how to make. Generally people in town are very friendly and easy going… it’s the American way…
We did not get back to the kennel until 5pm, so that was just the time to feed all the dogs.
While we where in town, Jacques was fixing a new windshield to his antipode sled and a skirt :) say no more… These sleds are very good quality and built well, so I’ll be looking at buying one later-on in the year.

Tomorrow the plan is that Magali will pull me on a sled with a snow machine, so that I can get some practise and use to the sled. If all goes well, were go out together on sled with a team of dogs, then after on separate sleds with a small team of oldies :)

Jetlag; yesterday afternoon my head was telling me that it was bed time, and this morning I woke up 4.30am and I could not get back of to sleep. Just the riggers of jetlag I guest…

Wednesday, February 21, 2007 7:10:15 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

It's just getting dark now here at 6:12 pm... It's been clear all day and around -30f is forecast for the middle of the week.
Jacques, Magali and André are so so great to know and to be with… so lucky!
I spent a lot of today introducing myself to the dogs; so many different characters and the puppies are so bouncy. Always you have to dress up with extra clothing, cover head, and put on good warm boots on when you go outside, otherwise is doesn’t take to long to start feeling your core temperature dropping and your finger tips to start becoming num!!!

Tuesday, February 20, 2007 8:39:18 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Landed at Fairbanks safe and sound around 12.20am, Alaska local time.
On the first part of the flight I had the whole row to myself, so being able to stretch across all the chairs was bliss while watching a video.
Continental airlines where great and as for my first experience of flying, I Loved it, but the last four hours did start to tire me out a lot.
Magali’s dad was waiting for me at the airport near baggage claim and coming out through those exit doors into the cold air at 27c below, it hits you strait away penetrating all your clothing, like sticking your head in a deep freezer, it was cold…
André (Magali’s dad), who only speaks a little English but better then I can speak French, drove me from the airport to the kennel and when we arrived, the first thing you heard was the beautiful sound of all the dogs howling in Alaskan's wilderness... Superb to hear :)

Monday, February 19, 2007 8:30:44 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Yippee, it’s Sunday evening and tomorrow I step into my first experience of flying. London Gatwick to Fairbanks, Alaska, 21hrs give or take an hour, hopefully!

The looking forward to meeting up with Magali, Jacques, Magali’s dad, introducing myself with the dogs & pups and generally visiting the Great Land is almost over and nearly a reality… Excited, you bet!!!

While I’m away and with great appreciation, between Donna, her elder brother and mum, they will be looking after and taking care of thing’s here, seeing to my babies’ needs, etc, while good friend Malcolm will give my babies a good run at the weekends… :) Super… Though we did have a great 4 mile run this morning…

Now with only just 12 days to go to the Iditarod and currently with 83 competitors, Jacques, Magali and Andre (Magali’s dad) have been super busy with food drop offs, training runs, camp-over, etc, in preparation for the Noatak Racing Teams biggest race, the Iditarod, and I should be there shortly… excellent :o)

Latest harness broken pups

Bon-voyage :)

Sunday, February 18, 2007 11:14:07 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

I had been meaning to post this over a week ago, but things have been crazy for me over the last week. Also, still not all the following has sunk in as yet, to excited, so here goes…

Last week I had exciting pleasure of booking my flight to fly out to Jacques and Magali Philip’s kennel in Alaska on Feb 20th. To me, this is a dream come true carrying great opportunity in more ways then one, plus seeing many famous mushers, dogs, etc. And like Magali has already pointed out, when I return home (April 3rd), I will have UNFORGETRABLE MEMORIES AND IMAGES in my eyes! I think she’s going to have problems getting me back on the plane come April 3rd :)

Jacques and Magali's kennel is namely the Noatak Kennel situated in NENANA, Alaska and home to 100 so Alaskan Huskies.

Jacques and Magali race professional Sprint to Long Distance, but they mainly concentrate on stage races.
The kennels name ‘Noatak’, is a name of a river in north-west Alaska and for those that don’t know, the kennel is home and birth place of my three Alaskans/babies, Risk Sheenjek and Sting…

Once there, I’ll be helping out in the general running of the kennel, feeding, taking care of repairs etc. And there are 100+ dogs and 28 pups to harness brake and train!! ON SLED of course... ‘Yippee’
View those Crazy Puppies

Iditarod 2007
Last year Jacques returned to Iditarod and finished in a very respective 22nd position. They were very pleased with the position since the dogs had never run the Iditarod before and they are aiming to do better this winter :) To date, Jacques adult dogs have about 1300 miles of training and Magali’s 1000 miles.
Doug Swingley, four-time Iditarod champion and good friend of Jacques & Magali came in 2nd place last year, Jeff King took the checked flag.

Looking forward; Being a part of the Noatak team for me is being a part of something very special, especially when it’s going to be the time of there biggest race, the Iditarod. There’s no phone line at the kennel and cell phones don't work there… what more could I ask for!!! other then for the next ten weeks to pass quickly :)

Saturday, December 16, 2006 5:23:09 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [1] 

Risk; one of our two new Alaskans from Magali Philip who are currently sitting out there 6 month rule with Magali in Alaska, a UK requirement for the Pets Passport scheme…
Lots of energy and eager to go out for a training run…


Risk still showing that he wants to go! he loves to jump, what’s the hold-up Magali :)
In lead left is Memphis (Sting’s Mum), she is Magali’s favourite dog and a bit of a dare devil. She races in Sprint race Limited Class, Fur Rondy (3 days in lead), ONAC, Stage races and last year finished the Iditarod with Jacques (Magali’s husband). Iditarod isn’t her cup of tea but she finished very well.


Sheenjek, our Alaskan female also currently sitting out her 6 month rule; having a whale of a time, excited and ready to pull!!! :) Her mom is Sting’s sister, Janet - a great stage race leader...

Like Sting, Risk and Sheenjek are very important to us and I’m very proud to have them!

Wednesday, November 08, 2006 10:59:52 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Today was bright and dry; so it was a good opportunity to get building some new dog boxes ready for Risk, Sheenjek and Suen. Each box measures 41” x 24” x 25” and stand of the deck by 3”, and is adequate to sleep one to two husky dogs.


Second coat of Sadlin being applied a week later...

Sunday, October 29, 2006 1:53:12 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

With a very special thanks to Magali Philip, who has been on a quest now for some time to find me a leader, has managed to come up trumps with good friend Joee Redington Jr. The leader is a five year old male by the name of Suen and should be with us around May 07 with much appreciation to Joee, who’s about to go through the riggers of the Pets Passport Scheme.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006 9:44:05 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Teigan had to be rushed of to the vets Thursday Sept 7th as she was losing blood from her vulva. The vet called in the evening to confirm that she has Pyometra (four weeks post mating). She spent the night at the vet's and was spayed Friday morning.
She’s doing very well, acting like nothing has happened and should be ready to go back home to Malcolm this coming weekend. Bless her!!!

It just goes to show, despite all our precautions like bloodtest, heart checks prior to heat, swab taken on the first day of heat for culture test, and ultra clean kennel that she still contracted pyometra??? :(
But at least she seems too had pulled through it all ok :)

Sunday, October 01, 2006 2:46:19 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Teigan successfully bred to Sting last week, now let’s hope that Mother Nature will provide us with some cute little puppies early November...

Sunday, September 10, 2006 6:45:23 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Teigan (own by friend Malcolm Goodwin) came into season yesterday. I have hoped for a while now of a breeding between Teigan and Sting, followed by nice pups, so fingers crossed!!!

Thursday, August 24, 2006 10:48:51 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

What a tremendous loss! 4 times Iditarod Champion Susan Butcher sadly passed away this afternoon in Seattle Washington, after battling against leukaemia. Words can not begin to express how David and the children must be feeling! Our thoughts are with you!
Susan had been an inspiration to many mushers and a strong icon!!! No doubt Susan, Joe Redington Sir, and other all time greats will be looking over us with a smile of admiration. God Bless!

Saturday, August 05, 2006 7:24:08 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Training today was of a special nature, as friend Malcolm Goodwin sprinkled his Misty’s ashes over the trail as a grand send off. Misty sadly past away in Malc’s arms on the 8/05/2006 while waiting in the waiting room at the vets, battling against liver cancer, she be greatly missed, but not forgotten.

Monday, May 22, 2006 3:45:27 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

I had the exciting pleasure today to collect our Alaskan Husky Sting from the quarantine kennel after a nine week stay. Firstly, it was a trip to the forest for a short run to stretch his legs and wow what a phenomenal attitude, which most certainly seemed to gee the other’s up more then usual! As soon as he saw the harness, that was it, he just wanted to run, barking, howling, trying to lunge forward, and getting very irritated for every passing second we where not moving - before, during, at the end of the run, fantastic!
Back at home/the kennel, he’s a super friendly relativity quite dog & has settled in well in a space of 24hrs, and we are extremely glad to have him home at long last!

Monday, May 01, 2006 3:47:12 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Sting ; our proudly owned recently imported male Alaskan Husky, bred by J & M Philip from the Noatak racing kennel in Alaska, landed at Heathrow today. His race record includes, Oregon, Fur Rendez-Vous (all 3 days), Kamchadal Russia & Wyoming, and it’s to our appreciation to J & M Philip in having him at our kennel (unfortunately held in quarantine at present)

Tuesday, February 21, 2006 3:53:48 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

On behalf of the Organisers at Winterpaws; we are afraid that this year the landowners – South East Water – will not grant permission for any vehicle access onto the trail. With vehicle access being imperative to the smooth running of the event and that to emergencies, it’s with great regret that we have had no option other then to cancel the event!.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 3:55:37 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

It’s with great disappointment that our mating between Dreamcatcher Snowcloud at Winterpaws and Tupilak's Saity did not take, even after two successful ties… A great shame...

Tuesday, October 25, 2005 3:56:37 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Except J, new trails for all other classes. Season 2005-06 trails pending Forestry Commission approval.

Wednesday, August 31, 2005 3:57:31 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

A mating based on phenotype and outcross genetics, is planned between Dreamcatcher Snowcloud at Winterpaws and Tupilak's Saity owned by Neil Marshal; a three times British dog sledding champion.
Besides the Zero's working bloodline that Salty carries, meeting Salts for the first time we knew straight away that he was the right stud for Snowcloud; gentle natured temperament while still remaining excitably eager to work, and it is with great appreciation to Neil to give us the opportunity to use him for stud.

Thursday, May 19, 2005 3:59:10 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0] 

Organising a sled dog rally is not easy but is very rewarding, and it would have not been possible without the help of club members and friends.
The general feedback was very good and approved of by the 4 - 6 dog teams, the larger teams enjoyed the trail as there was plenty of turns... read on... rally results...

Sunday, February 20, 2005 4:00:11 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0]